Getting around

Most visitors base themselves in the city centre, the buzzing commercial heart of Melbourne that’s also home to museums, theatres, restaurants, bars and shops. Melbourne’s grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance. Transport options include train, tram, bus or bike. The Night Network also operates on weekends with after hours transport to many locations.

myki cards

myki is Melbourne’s ticket to travel on the city’s trains, trams and buses. It’s a plastic smartcard with stored value which can be topped up and re-used again. Purchase your myki online at the PTV website, premium train stations, retail outlets displaying the myki sign (including 7-Elevens), or by calling 1800 800 007 (free from a land line) in Australia.

Myki explorer

For flexible travel, buy a myki explorer pack from Melbourne Visitor Centre, Federation Square, the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station (corner Swanston and Little Collins streets), SkyBus terminals and some hotels. Packs include a pre-loaded myki card with enough value for one day of travel in Zone 1 and 2, instructions on how to use myki, a Melbourne tram map and discount entry to Melbourne attractions.

Trains

Melbourne’s metro trains run between the outer suburbs and Flinders Street Station in the city. The city loop is Melbourne’s underground system, with five stations in the central business district: Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament and Flinders Street. Southern Cross Station is Melbourne’s hub for regional and interstate trains. Plan your trip with Public Transport Victoria’s journey planner.

Trams

Passengers can board trams at signposted stops displaying maps, route numbers and a timetable. Route numbers are also displayed on the front of the tram. Travel within the central area of Melbourne by tram is free, though you will need a myki card if you plan to start or finish your journey outside of this central area. For more information on the area covered by the Free Tram Zone and a downloadable map, go to the Public Transport Victoria website.

Buses

Melbourne buses run frequently to major hubs, including shopping centres, schools, hospitals, leisure and sports venues, and some of Melbourne’s biggest attractions. For people travelling further afield, Victoria’s V/Line service gives access to regional towns and scenic attractions across the state.

Fare types

Outside of the Free Tram Zone, Melbourne has two transit zones (1 and 2), with a single price to travel across both. It is cheaper to travel in Zone 2 only. Train travel completed before 7.00am on a weekday is free. For more information on ticketing and timetables, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

Regional Victoria

V/Line is Victoria’s regional train and bus provider, operating services across the state. Visit V/Line for timetables, maps and other information, if you plan to explore Victoria by train.

Maps

View the Inner Melbourne Map for an overview of tram, train and bus routes, parks, landmarks and attractions, bike paths and walking trails. Street and transport maps are also displayed on the wall at many train stations, at tram and bus shelters and are available from visitor information centres. On your mobile device use our m.visitvictoria.com ‘Nearby’ mode for a mapped list of attractions, shops, food and wine options close to your current location while you’re out and about.

Taxi and rideshare

Melbourne taxis are easy to spot, as they display a lamp on the cab roof and most are painted yellow, silver or white. You can book taxi cab pick up for a set location, or take one from a cab rank at signposted spots. You may also hail a taxi in the street. If the rooftop lamp is lit, the taxi is usually unoccupied and available for hire. Rideshare trips with the Uber app are also increasingly popular in Melbourne. The app shows a fare estimate, the driver’s picture, vehicle details, and tracks the trip on a map.